Game table system

ABSTRACT

A game table system equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin features a table having a platform located atop a plurality of legs. The system features a player game surface located on the platform top surface. The system features a trash opening providing access to trash bins that extend downwardly toward the ground surface. A discard slot is positioned at or near each player game surface. The system features a shredding system having a rotating blade located close to the discard slot.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/915,318, filed Dec. 12, 2013, the specification(s) of which is/are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game tables and game table systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bingo games often require the use of paper bingo cards and paper markers for the cards. At the end of the games, the paper scraps often go into the trash along with other types of liquid and solid debris. The present invention features a game table system equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin that can then be recycled.

Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a game table system equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin. In some embodiments, the system comprises a table having a platform located atop a plurality of legs. In some embodiments, the platform comprises a first side, a second side, a top surface, and a bottom surface.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of player game surfaces located on the platform top surface.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a raised platform located atop the platform top surface. In some embodiments, the raised platform is linearly located between the platform first side and the platform second side.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a trash opening providing access to trash bins that extend downwardly toward the ground surface.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a discard slot positioned at or near each player game surface. In some embodiments, the discard slot may be on a surface that is bulged away inwardly or outwardly from the side face. Alternatively, the discard slot may be at a surface that is flat with the side face. The slot is a slit or has a slit opening that allows for a snug insertion of thin discarded papers.

In some embodiments, the system comprises a shredding system. Any standard shredding system may be used in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments, the shredding system comprises a rotating blade located close to the discard slot. In some embodiments, the rotating blade is operatively connected to a motor which is connected to a power supply.

In some embodiments, a game is played at the table. In some embodiments, a playing card is used on the player game surface via a player. In some embodiments, trash is discarded in the trash opening to the trash bin via the player. In some embodiments, upon completion of the game, the playing card is inserted into the discard slot to the shredding system via the player. In some embodiments, the playing card is shredded and located in a shredded playing card bag via the rotating blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention further showing the shredding system.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention as noted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention as noted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into the slot and falls directly into the recycling collection bin, and there is no raised platform, and the slot is on the platform top surface.

FIG. 9A shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into the slot, and the raised platform is intermittent, and the slot is on the platform top surface.

FIG. 9B shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the discarded paper is dropped into the slot, and the raised platform is intermittent, and the slot a wide rectangular aperture on the platform top surface.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:

-   -   100 Game table system     -   110 Platform     -   111 Platform first side     -   112 Platform second side     -   113 Mid-point     -   115 Platform top surface     -   120 Leg     -   130 Player game surface     -   132 Discard slot     -   140 Raised platform     -   144 Trash opening     -   150 Call button     -   160 Trash bin     -   170 Shredding system     -   171 Rotating blade     -   172 Shredding chamber     -   180 Scrap collection bin     -   181 Bin first side     -   182 Bin second side     -   185 Track     -   186 Handle     -   190 Alert mechanism     -   192 Charging port     -   194 New card storage and dispensing system     -   196 Adjustable positioning bracket     -   300 Top face     -   302 First side face     -   304 Second side face     -   400 Axis     -   500 Flat surface

Referring now to FIG. 1-9B, the present invention features a game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin. In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a platform (110) located atop a plurality of legs (120). In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform first side (111), a platform second side (112), and a platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the platform (110) atop the plurality of legs (120) resembles a Bingo table. In some embodiments, the platform (110) atop the plurality of legs (120) is collapsible. In some embodiments, the platform (110) atop the plurality of legs (120) folds for storage and portablility.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a plurality of player game surfaces (130) located on the platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the player game surfaces (130) are planar. In some embodiments, the player game surfaces (130) are parallel with a ground surface. In some embodiments, the player game surfaces (130) are at an angle with respect to the platform (110).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a raised platform (140) located atop the platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the raised platform (140) is linearly located between the platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112). The raised platform (140) may serve to separate the player game surfaces (130). The raised platform (140) may serve to prevent other players across the platform (110) from viewing a particular player's game items (e.g., card, etc.). In some embodiments, the raised platform (140) comprises a raised platform first side, a raised platform second side, a raised platform top surface, and a raised platform inner cavity.

In some embodiments, the system (100) does not comprise a raised platform (140) located atop the platform top surface (115), rather the platform top surface (115) is flat from the platform first side (111) to the platform second side (112). In some embodiments, any or all of the following of the player game surface (130), the discard slot (132), the trash opening (144), the call button (150), the alert mechanism (190), the charging port (192) and the adjustable positioning bracket (196) are located directly on the platform top surface (115).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a trash opening (144) providing access to a trash bin (160) that extends downwardly toward the ground surface.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a discard slot (132) positioned at or near each player game surface (130).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a shredding system (170) having a rotating blade (171) located close to the discard slot (132). In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) is located away from the discard slot (132), for example, below the platform (110). In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) is operatively connected to a power supply and an activation sensor. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) operates within a shredding chamber (172) upon a signal from the activation sensor from insertion of a playing card.

In some embodiments, a removable scrap collection bin (180) is removably located at a bottom of the shredding chamber (172). In some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin (180) is slidably located on tracks (185). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, there is a sliding track (185) on each side of the collection bin (180). In some embodiments, the tracks (185) are affixed to a bottom surface of the platform (110). In some embodiments, the collection bin (180) is located mid-point (113) between the opposite table edges where a first player sits on one side of the table and another player sits on the other side of the table facing the first player. In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) can slide to either side of the platform (110), for example, the platform first side (111) or the platform second side (112).

In some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin (180) comprises a handle located thereon. In some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin (180) comprises a first handle (186) located on a first side (181) and a second handle (186) located on an opposing second side (182) thereon. In some embodiments, the removable scrap collection bin (180) comprises a disposable bag located therein. In some embodiments, upon completion of the game, the playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) to the shredding system (170) via the player. In some embodiments, the playing card is shredded and collected in a shredded playing card bag via the rotating blade (171). In some embodiments, the shredding system (170) comprises noise insulation disposed there around.

In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises a plurality of blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises two blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises three blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises four or more blades. In some embodiments, the rotating blade (171) comprises a stack of blades.

In some embodiments, a game is played at the game table system (100). In some embodiments, the game is Bingo. In some embodiments, a playing card is used on the player game surface (130) via a player. In some embodiments, trash is discarded in the trash opening (144) to the trash bin (160) via the player. In some embodiments, upon completion of the game, the playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) to the shredding system (170) via the player. In some embodiments, the playing card is shredded and collected in a shredded playing card bag via the rotating blade (171).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises two player game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, one next to the platform first side (111) and the other next to the platform second side (112).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises four player game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, two next to the platform first side (111) and the other two next to the platform second side (112).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises six player game surfaces (130) positioned opposite each other, three next to the platform first side (111) and the other three next to the platform second side (112).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises one trash opening (144) and one trash bin (160).

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises two trash openings (144) and two trash bins (160).

In some embodiments, the trash bins (160) are removable for emptying as needed.

In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in the platform (110). In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in the platform top surface (115).

In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located in the raised platform top surface.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a call button (150) positioned near each player game surface (130). In some embodiments, the call button (150) is operatively connected to and used to activate an alert mechanism (190). In some embodiments, the call button (150) may be used to alert other individuals that the player needs attention or has won the game. For example, if the players are playing Bingo, the winner may use the call button (150) to alert the others that he/she has Bingo. In some embodiments, the alert mechanism (190) may be a speaker adapted to emit a sound when activated by the call button (150).

In some embodiments, the call button (150) sends a wireless signal to a remote receiver. In some embodiments, the call button (150) sends a wireless signal to activate an alert mechanism (190). In some embodiments, a plurality of call buttons (150) each send a wireless signal to a single remote receiver from a plurality of game table systems (100) for notifying a remote person of a condition.

In some embodiments, the alert mechanism (190) is an indicator light. In some embodiments, the indicator light is located in the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the indicator light projects upward, out and away from the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).

In some embodiments, the call button (150) is located in the platform (110).

In some embodiments, the call button (150) is located in the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a plurality of call buttons (150) used for a variety of purposes, for example, to order food, to request assistance, to indicate a problem, etc.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a charging port (192) positioned near each player game surface (130). In some embodiments, the charging port (192) is operatively connected to a power supply. In some embodiments, the charging port (192) is a universal serial bus port.

In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is located in the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is located in the raised platform (140) on the raised platform first side or the raised platform second side.

In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness between ¼ inch and % inch. In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of ¼ inch. In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of ½ inch. In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of ¾ inch. In some embodiments, the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness of suitable strength for the use of the platform (110) while having the least amount of weight.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a table frame supporting the table via structural members. In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a table frame supporting the platform (110). In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a table frame supporting the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the table frame is constructed from tubing or angle.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a new card storage and dispensing system (194) located on a bottom surface of the platform (110). In some embodiments, the new card storage and dispensing system (194) comprises a storage compartment and a new card dispensing slot. In some embodiments, the new card storage and dispensing system (194) comprises a drawer.

In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) is a woven bag. In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) allows air to pass through the weave while capturing shredded playing card remnants therein. In some embodiments, the scrap collection bin (180) is constructed of plastic or metal.

In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises an adjustable positioning bracket (196) adapted to fit a touch screen portable electronic gaming unit located thereon. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is spring biased to be easily positionable, yet maintain the desired position. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is detachably removable from the platform (110). In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is positionable in an upward manner, or a side to side manner, or an in and out manner. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) comprises a scissor action. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is fully rotational. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) comprises a tent, or an a-frame shape. In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is affixed to the platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the adjustable positioning bracket (196) is affixed to the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the positioning bracket (196) is not adjustable.

In some embodiments, the system (100) is adapted for use with a touch screen portable electronic gaming unit, for example, the PhD™—Portable Handheld Electronic device by Planet Bingo.

Alternate Embodiment Featuring a Vacuum System

In some embodiments, the shredding system (170) comprises a vacuum system. In some embodiments, a vacuum line may be configured in various shapes so as to reach all of the discard slots (132). In some embodiments, the vacuum line branches out from a suction vacuum and scrap collection bin (180) down two channels to reach the discard slots of the player game surfaces (130) on both the platform first side (111) and platform second side (112).

In some embodiments, paper that is inserted through the discard slots (132) drops into the vacuum line. In some embodiments, when the suction vacuum is activated, the suction vacuum draws the paper from the vacuum line into the scrap collection bin (180). In some embodiments, the collection bin (180) can be removed from the vacuum line to be emptied as needed.

In some embodiments, catch bowls (e.g., dips in the surface of the vacuum line) are located in the vacuum line directly under each discard slot (132). In some embodiments, the catch bowl is designed to collect heavy items that may have inadvertently fallen through the discard slot (132). In some embodiments, for example, if a player's wedding band slipped through the discard slot (132), the band would fall down and into the catch bowl.

In some embodiments, a trap door is located in the catch bowl. In some embodiments, the trap door may be pivotally attached in the catch bowl, e.g., via a hinge, and secured in the closed position via a tab.

In some embodiments, when an item opens the trap door and falls into the catch bowl, the trap door slowly closes from the open position back to the closed position.

In some embodiments, the legs (120) are arranged in any appropriate position.

In some embodiments, the suction vacuum is well insulated as to reduce the vacuum noise. In some embodiments, the vacuum line is well insulated as to reduce the vacuum noise.

In some embodiments, the game table system is free of the shredder system.

In some embodiments, the raised platform (140) is incrementally located on the platform (110). In some embodiments, the trash openings (144) are located on the top face of the raised platform (300) and the discard slots (132) are located on the platform top surface (115). In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is curved. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is straight. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is rectangular. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is an aperture. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) may be at a surface that is flat (500) with the side face. In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is on the first side face (302) or the second side face (304) of the raised platform (140). In some embodiments, the discard slot (132) is on the top face (300) of the raised platform (140).

In some embodiments, the first side face (302) of the raised platform (140) is a flat surface (500). In some embodiments, the second side face (304) of the raised platform (140) is a flat surface (500). In some embodiments, the first side face (302) of the raised platform (140) is generally planar having curved bulges at the shredding system. In some embodiments, the second side face (304) of the raised platform (140) is generally planar having curved bulges at the shredding system.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number.

Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. Reference numbers recited in the claims are exemplary and for ease of review by the patent office only, and are not limiting in any way. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are representative only and the claims are not limited by the dimensions of the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the inventions described herein using the phrase “comprising” includes embodiments that could be described as “consisting of”, and as such the written description requirement for claiming one or more embodiments of the present invention using the phrase “consisting of” is met.

The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin, wherein the system (100) comprises: (a) a platform (110) disposed atop a plurality of legs (120), wherein the platform (110) comprises a platform first side (111), a platform second side (112), and a platform top surface (115); (b) a plurality of player game surfaces (130) disposed on the platform top surface (115); (c) a raised platform (140) disposed atop the platform top surface (115), wherein the raised platform (140) is linearly disposed between the platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112), wherein the raised platform has a top face (300), a first side face (302) and a second side face (304); (d) a trash opening (144) providing access to a trash bin (160) that extends downwardly toward the ground surface, wherein the trash opening (144) disposed on the top face (300) of the raised platform (140); and (e) a discard slot (132) positioned at or near each player game surface (130), wherein the discard slot is disposed on the first side face (302) or second side face (304); wherein a game is played at the game table system (100), wherein a playing card is used on the player game surface (130) via a player, wherein trash is discarded in the trash opening (144) to the trash bin (160) via the player, wherein upon completion of the game, the playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) via the player, wherein the playing card is disposed in a playing card bag.
 2. The system (100) of claim 1 further comprising a shredding system (170) having a rotating blade (171) disposed proximal to the discard slot (132) and below the discard slot (132) as to catch and shred the playing card that is deposited into the discard slot (132) and fall onto the rotating blade (171), wherein the rotating blade (171) is operatively connected to a motor which is connected to a power supply, wherein the rotating blade (171) operates within a shredding chamber (172), wherein a removable scrap collection bin (180) is removably disposed at a bottom of the shredding chamber (172), wherein the shredding system (170) is disposed within the raised platform (140); wherein the rotating blade (171) rotates about an axis (400) that is vertical to the top face (300) of the raised platform (140).
 3. The system (100) of claim 1 further comprising a shredding system (170) disposed proximal to the discard slot (132) and below the discard slot (132) as to catch and shred the playing card that is deposited into the discard slot (132) and fall onto the rotating blade (171), wherein the shredding system (170) is operatively connected to a power supply, wherein a removable scrap collection bin (180) is removably disposed at a bottom of the shredding chamber (172), the shredding system (170) is disposed within the raised platform (140);
 4. The system (100) of claim 2, wherein the scrap collection bin (180) is slidably disposed on tracks (185), wherein a first sliding track (185) is disposed on a side of the scrap collection bin (180), wherein a second sliding track is disposed on an opposing side of the scrap collection bin (180), wherein the scrap collection bin (180) is disposed mid-point (113) between the platform first side (111) and the platform second side (112), wherein the scrap collection bin (180) slides to the platform first side (111) or the platform second side (112) for scrap removal, wherein a first handle (186) is disposed on a bin first side (181) and a second handle (186) is disposed on an opposing bin second side (182).
 5. The system (100) of claim 1, comprising one trash opening (144) and one trash bin (160).
 6. The system (100) of claim 1, comprising two trash openings (144) and two trash bins (160).
 7. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash bins (160) are removable for emptying as needed.
 8. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash openings (144) are disposed in the platform (110).
 9. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the trash openings (144) are disposed in the raised platform (140).
 10. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a call button (150) positioned near each player game surface (130), wherein the call button (150) is operatively connected to and used to activate an alert mechanism (190).
 11. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the alert mechanism (190) is an indicator light, wherein the indicator light is disposed in the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).
 12. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the call button (150) is disposed in the platform (110) or in the raised platform (140).
 13. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a charging port (192) positioned near each player game surface (130), wherein the charging port (192) is operatively connected to a power supply.
 14. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the discard slot (132) is disposed in the raised platform (140).
 15. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the platform (110) comprises a platform thickness between ¼ inch and ¾ inch.
 16. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a table frame supporting the table via structural members.
 17. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the system (100) further comprises a new card storage and dispensing system (194) disposed on a bottom surface of the platform (110).
 18. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the scrap collection bin (180) is a woven bag, wherein the scrap collection bin (180) allows air to pass through the weave while capturing shredded playing card remnants therein.
 19. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the system (100) further comprises an adjustable positioning bracket (196) adapted to fit a touch screen portable electronic gaming unit disposed thereon.
 20. A game table system (100) equipped with a means of collecting and sequestering scrap paper in a scrap collection bin, wherein the system (100) comprises: (a) a platform (110) disposed atop a plurality of legs (120), wherein the platform (110) comprises a platform first side (111), a platform second side (112), and a platform top surface (115); (b) a player game surface (130) disposed on the platform top surface (115); (c) a trash opening (144) providing access to a trash bin (160); (d) a discard slot (132) positioned at or near the player game surface (130); and (e) a shredding system (170) disposed proximal to the discard slot (132); wherein a game is played at the game table system (100), wherein trash is discarded in the trash opening (144) to the trash bin (160) via the player, wherein upon completion of the game, any disposable playing card is inserted into the discard slot (132) to the shredding system (170) via the player, wherein the playing card is shredded and disposed in a shredded playing card bag, 